Micromachined endovascularly-implantable wireless aneurysm pressure sensors: from concept to clinic

Passive wireless pressure sensors, originally developed for use in harsh environments, have been adapted for use in the human body. The application of these sensors is as monitors of endovascularly repaired abdominal aortic aneurysms. For this application, the devices must be permanently implanted deep within the body and be functional for the remainder of the patient's life. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) manufacturing technologies have been utilized to fabricate sensors with sizes and form factors suitable for endovascular delivery and permanent implantation. The sensors are interrogated with an external measurement antenna and a real-time waveform of the pressure environment is extracted. This paper reports the development and clinical demonstration of these sensors.